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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — Services have been set for Mark Stern, who died Thursday in Danbury Hospital from the injuries he sustained in a private plane crash on July 30. He was 63.

A celebration of his life and a memorial service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Norwalk Inn at 99 East Ave., Norwalk.

Stern attended New York University and graduated from the University of Florida in 1976, then earned his juris doctor in 1979 from Loyola Marymount School of Law.

He worked at several law firms before founding his international law practice Mark Stern & Associates in Norwalk in 1986.

Stern was licensed to practice law in Connecticut, New York, California and Florida. He was a trial litigator, community leader, teacher and law enforcement professional.

An active volunteer, he served as a Wilton Fire Commissioner, a Culver City California Police Officer, Volunteer Florida State Highway Trooper, and auxiliary police officer at Fairfield/Eagle 1 Search and Rescue helicopter program.

Stern also served as a fact finder and arbitrator for the Stamford Superior Court and a director of the Fairfield Bar Association.

He became an experienced aviator, flying both helicopters and airplanes.

A devoted family man, Stern is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karin; his son Bryan; daughter Alexis; step-daughter Stacee; brothers; David, Richard and Glen; sister Donna; and grandchildren Vincent, Emily and Sarah. He was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Miriam Stern.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, 561-855-4207, or Blackhorse 4 Heroes, 516-449-9610, in honor of "Mark Stern and Family."

All arrangements are being directed by Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home of Monroe.

Stern was piloting the rented Cessna SkyHawk when it crashed into heavy brush on a hillside above the Danbury Dog Park. The National Transportation Safety Board has been brought in to investigate the crash, in which two other men were injured.